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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- A former employee of the Department of Motor Vehicles office in Bridgeport was arrested after police said she stole $79,000 while working for the DMV by exploiting a loop hole.

State police launched an investigation in August after the Bridgeport office's manager discovered a large monetary discrepancy, state police said. The DMV notified the Office of the Connecticut State's Attorney, saying that it suspected an employee of misconduct at the office. An investigation was launched, and over the course of a several month-long investigation, detectives identified 47-year-old Kimberly Brown of Bridgeport as a suspect.

Police said that Brown, who worked as a motor vehicle examiner specialist, had exploited a loop hole involved with registering of cars. Through her scheme, she was able to steal $79,907.59 over a two-year period, according to police.

When interviewed by police, Brown told them that she was depressed and had acted out of desperation, according to police. She estimated that she had stolen between $15,000 and $20,000, police said.

Brown was terminated on Dec. 8, and a warrant was issued for her arrest. She surrendered to State Police Troop G Bridgeport on Thursday and was charged with first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community, and first-degree forgery. She was held on an $80,000 bond and arraigned in court on Thursday.

DMV Commissioner Michael R. Bzdyra said, “Our hundreds of employees are diligent and dedicated to upholding the public’s trust. People who betray that trust will be held fully accountable for their actions. It is absolutely unacceptable to betray that trust. Our hard-working employees strive diligently every day to do their jobs well and are committed to customer service.”